The small town of Kapaau has Josiane St Pierre / Getty Images. The hike down is steep, but mostly on pavement. On my trips to the Big Island of Hawaii I have had the opportunity to hike down into both Pololu and Waipio Valleys and up the trails on the far rims towards Honopue and Waimanu Valleys respectively. Losing and forgetting things seemed to be the common theme for our trip. Honokane Nui was a victim of the October 2006 earthquake, and the trail into the valley was reportedly destroyed. Island of Hawaii. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. We just share the best of Hawaii travel, food, adventure and lifestyle to you in our updated posts and newsletters. It is not considered a swimming beach and sometimes inundated with Portuguese man-o-wars, so do not try to swim this dangerous beach especially with no resources for helping in drowning conditions. But if you prepare for the crowds and mud, then I know you will enjoy the hike as much as I did. The stretch between the Pololu valley lookout and the black sand beach is only the first part of a more extended trail. Youre young and strong so youll probably finish in 2 hours. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. visit on sunnier days when the trail is dry and easy to hike below, There are no The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. Once at the bottom take the road to the right. Expect 1-1.5 miles of total hiking + beach exploring; more if you continue along Awini Trail, Hike down to beach is moderate to strenuous when hiking out, Big Island Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Big Island Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Lots of water and snacks. Once I turned around, the journey back to the trailhead went surprisingly quick. One of the most magical experiences Ive had in Hawaii. Must cross water to go up the other side though. Pololu Valley is a solid 1.5 hours from Kona, maybe more depending on where on the Kona coast youre staying. The views from the ridge are stunning into Honokane Iki and the trail leading downhill is relatively easy but note that the property on the valley floor is entirely private property and access is not permited (unless you know the owner) on the valley floor unless you can find the trail beyond which is not feasible at the moment because of over grown conditions. It takes about 30 - 45 minutes, but the walk back up will take anywhere between 1 - 1.5 hours depending on your level of physical fitness. There are several levels of visiting Pololu valley. Sounds like Pololu is more about the journey and a shorter hike. 1 Year, 2 Kids, 800 Sq Ft [PDF Download] $ 20.00. I can't seem to remember now which of the longer hikes we did, maybe Akaka Falls? It is located on the west side of the island. HAWAII EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS It's about an hour and a half drive from Kona, and an hour and ten minutes from Hilo. At least 1 liter of water You cannot go wrong with, Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Stay Organized with this Trip Planning Template, Day 4 was our last day on the river, and I finally, Lodge fashion is a little different from river fas, Primarily rafting, we also did a little hiking on, A Rogue waterfall! You Most people do the hike down to the beach and come back up. There are no bathrooms near the Pololu Valley trailhead. Youll probably also notice some nice campsites, but camping here is illegal. Its steep, muddy, rocky and slippery. The beach has no services, so plan accordingly. Head east on the Akoni Pule Highway and drive to the end of the road before parking at the Pololu Valley Overlook where the trail begins. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. You can also hike down the beach and up the Mulawai zigzag trail about 30 minutes to the third switchback for great views of the valley and beach. Island of Hawaii. This is one of the most adventurous and beautiful hikes we have done. by Murph1 Tue Jun 24, 2014 2:36 am. Waipio Valley. Sign up today on the latest for your slice of paradise! Both lookouts are crowded, AmyNoelle, and finding a parking spot can be an initial annoyance. Explore the western town of Hawi and try some local food and snacks. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. Unfortunately, rain washed out the trail, and it no longer connects! MAHALO! I would choose Pololu - there are some nice beaches to stop at on the S. Kohala coast (although you could incorporate those into a Waipio drive as well) - but the drive up #270 and down #250 provides a lot of amazing scenery, which for me would be the deciding factor in favour of Pololu. You can even camp in the Pololu Valley. I recommend parking up the street slightly so that it is easy to turn around and leave at the end of your hike. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au. Youll save yourself the tight corners and the wait by parking up the street. Waipi'o Valley is much more trying, longer, and more satisfying. The trail snakes inland and back toward the ocean as you make your way across the top of this hillside. In the event it reopens, it's likely not worth your trouble. Make sure you find parking even from a distant walk to the entrance of the trail since parking is limited right at the entrance. The trail is located about a hundred feet from the shoreline with a small trail located with low lying ferns and on the eastern ridge of Polulu. EVERGLADES FL If you feel challenged, you can even go beyond to the other valleys beyond Pololu on a day trip or overnight stay. I had to press down my "mall parking anxiety" not flee the premises, lol. The beach itself is made out of a mix of black sand and large boulders. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. However, it didnt last long, and I was almost completely dry by the time I reached the trailhead. Instead, you must walk down a rocky hiking trail for about 20 minutes. After you pass mile marker 28, youll get some peak a boo views to the cliffs of Pololu. Did this the last visit before I had this app and were heading down again this visit but its closed till probably 2025. The dirt and root trail can be steep in places, but the various views of the valley along the way make even part of the walk worth it. 1. Be prepared for the parking area to be busy when you arrive! Should be great! 6.12 km. There is no lifeguard. Hiking in the Waipio Valley is amazing. Take that trail up until you reach edge across from Waipio lookout on other side. Many visitors find Hawaii fascinating for its state parks and hidden sea caves. If it was dry I would have been fine driving it with our 4X4. A group of Chinese immigrants settled in the valley in the late 1800 and built churches . WIND CAVE SD Both the Big Island and Maui have a diverse culinary scene with plenty of delicious food options to choose from. Take the steep hike down the tropical cliff and towards the black sandy beach below. Thanks for the suggestion PlanetR. Pololu Valley and Waipio valley were spectacular hikes. Trailhead: Take Hwy. May 11, 2018 Alice Kao. Answer 1 of 20: We are a family of 4 with kids just out of college, We love nature, short hikes, photography. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. If youre looking for something to do somewhat in the area, you might have a look at Lapakahi State Historical Park for a top Big Island snorkeling spot and to walk through an ancient Hawaiian village, or Hapuna Beach state park which has been called one of the best beaches on the Big Island. You should hike down with sturdy shoes or boots for the variable rocks, steps and slope factor. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! Lets get into the hike! The view of these lush valleys and cliffs into the ocean is stunning. Pololu Valley is an easy drive from Highway 270 through idyllic towns like Hawaii and Kapa'au. At the end of Highway 270 in North Kohala, the black sand beach at the mouth of Pololu Valley is accessible to adventurous visitors via a steep, 25-minute hike. Waipi'o Valley - 3 miles roundtrip with longer options. If youre interested in Pololu Valley, you may also be interested in these great Big Island activities: ROAD TRIP AMERICA Large pebbles and stones cover the beach, making a satisfying rattling sound when the waves pick them up. Youll need to relax bc youll be on edge driving - esp if its your first time. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 2. So Pololu Valley is one of the great coastal valleys on the north side of the Big Island. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. My favorite spot on the island so majorly bummed. You will find the trailhead near the parking lot. The hike down to the bottom of the valley and to the beach is the same paved road the cars use. 6:30-11:00: Hike into Pololu Valley. Otherwise, you can park along the side of the road before that dead end parking lot too. You climb over 750 feet with many switch backs for about one mile uphill. Waipi'o valley Hike: A 6.5 mile round trip of medium difficulty. ZION UT BE ADVISED: PARKING AT WAIPIO LOOKOUT COUNTY PARK IS LIMITED TO 24 HOURS. These stones can make it uncomfortable to walk into the water so if you do want to take a swim try to bring shoes that can get wet. This hike starts at the parking lot near the Waipio Lookout. There are also horses on the trail. I was slipping and sliding my way to the Honokane Nui Lookout. Some of the most popular scenery on the big island includes the Pololu Valley, Haleakala Volcano, Maui's Road to Hana, Waipio Valley Isle, Lanai's Kaunolu, Oahu's North Shore, and some stunning beaches that depict the true Hawaiian culture. The passing clouds threaten rain but also provide dynamic skies in your photos. If there is no room, wait or come back another day. stream inland ends and is mostly private lands that are off limits to explore. Sturdy shoes I wore tennis shoes, but it would have been helpful to have more grip on the muddy sections on the way to Honokane Nui Lookout. I'd suggest taking the Waipio Valley Shuttle if you have young kids in tow. There is only one way inby foot on the Muliwai Trail, a nine-mile backpacking trek ascending the north face of Waipio via a series of steep switchbacks (visible from the Waipio Valley Lookout) and winding through miles of plateau gulches and forests before descending treacherous switchbacks on Waimanu's south face to the valley floor. (driving directions using google maps). 6. 02:09. Your email address will not be published. The crossing might be dry. PICTURED ROCKS MI Definitely worth walking up the other side. The hike itself is fairly steep, but it's not a super hard hike. The rest of the gulches follow in order from: Parking is MUD!! If you love sightseeing, the shuttle tour is a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon on the Big Island. Big Island vs Maui: Food. From scenic overlook, hike down steep rocky trail to beautiful black sand and rocky beach with views of the Hamakua coast. Update 11/21/06 - State officials have reopened the Pololu Trail in North Kohala. The weather at Pololu Valley is variable from cloudy and windy to stormy clouds and rain and then to blue sky, and you can even get all three happening on the same day. Theres a bypass trail just a few feet away from the road around the muddiest areas at the bottom and before the beach. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. UTAH The trail down to the beach drops 400 feet in 20 minutes of hikingbe warned, the hike up is difficult for those not in good physical shape and the hike down should not be attempted if you have doubts about being able to hike back up. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapaau. statue of Kamehameha 1st who united all of the Hawaiian Islands. The Pololu Valley Lookout; The hike into Pololu Valley; The black sand beach; Continue hiking to the next valley: the Honokane Nui trail; How to get to Pololu Valley; Things to do close to Pololu Valley; Pololu Valley history. If you can find the river area on the far right, there is a small pond area that is relatively safe for swimming in depending on the water levels and weather. GRAND TETON WY If you take the time to drive all the way toPololu Valleyat the end of Highway 270, don't settle for the view from the overlook! They get to share Polols great historical and cultural values, along with the and significance the area has for those living in and visiting Kohala. The Kohala coast of the Big Island stunned me yet again. And of course, hiking down to the valley floor and spending some time on the beach is very worthwhile. Cross Waipi'o Beach and visit Muliwai Trail Overlook on a 4.88-mile round trip hike that has climbs on each side of the valley that total 1,300 feet of elevation gain. The trees break the wind on the valley floor, so I can see why this is a desirable camping destination. You will get the coastal views at the Pololu Valley lookout without even stepping foot on the Pololu Valley trail. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88624665', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui one week we'll go out there at least twice if not more). downhill on the trail is rocky and wide with some nice spots for views and GULF ISLANDS FL If you want to drive instead of hiking down, you'll need to . The string of gulches on the Hamakua and Kohala side of the island starts at Polulu and ends up in Waipio valley on the other side of the island. WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, Are you headed to another island in Hawaii from the Big Island? Near the top of the ridge you'll reach a small plateau with a large rock. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES MI It's still worth coming here to enjoy the view from the lookout, which I believe is the most beautiful vantage on the island! But I think it'd be a shame to miss North Kohala, and an added bonus is the "loop" drive whereas with Waipio, you have to drive the same way there and back ~ and deal twice with Waimea traffic, which can be tedious at times. Interested? https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3094/720. Hawaii - Pololu Valley Hike to the Remote Honokane Nui Lookout. The Waipio Valley hike down to the beach (hiking back into the valley isn't allowed) is quite a bit steeper and longer, more like 45-60 minutes each way. can find more details about the original The trail is These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. We opted to take our 4x4 rental to the black sand beach at the end. There is a phenomenal view from the parking area, which is lovely for those who are not interested in the hike. Leave before 12, or youll be stopping a lot to share the road. Lots of wildlife near the trail. Although I've never hiked it, I can brag that I've driven down the road with the steepest grade in the entire USA! A gorgeous hike from the top to the gorgeous black sandy beaches of Pololu Valley, the drive alone and panoramic views of the cliffs and coastlines impresses the moment you park on the end of road. This hike covers about 20 km, depending on how long you want to walk. Starting at the Waipio Valley overlook (photo above), the hike down to the black sand beach on the valley floor is about 1.5 miles or 2.4 kilometers. We'll update this page if and when it reopens. What locals living near Pololu Valley would like you to know! I recommend bringing along some slip on shoes to change into crossing, then back in hiking boots/shoes on other side. The Polol Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. --Ernest Hemingway, Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley, Re: Big Island-Hiking from Pololu Valley to Waipio Valley, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u46mHlI3pD0. Continuing on to the Z trail provides more solitude, I'm sure. (Although you will pass through the cute Hawi town.). leave, so there is a lot of turnover for the parking spots. Colleen you need to do this hike. Some of the cars in the morning may have been from people who were camping in the valley, but overall, it is best to mentally prepare for this popular spot to be busy. 18. If you must park along the road, ensure that you respect the private homes and heed "No Parking" signs. Also it can be more of a last minute hike, as well as being much easier. The trail can be quite muddy if it has been raining. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. Check the TRAVEL WITH ME PAGE to see if you can join any upcoming group tours that I am planning to review. It is considered one of the steepest roads in the world down to an . Its steeep. Crossing the river had water a bit above our knees, but again, it was well worth it to get to the rocks at the far end of the beach. If you enjoyed the post, please do share it with any of the social media buttons on the left side of the page. Your hike down to the beach was mostly facing the ocean, and your hike back to the parking lot will be more of facing the valley! The hike down the side of the cliff to the valley floor is short but steep: ~420 ft in 0.6 miles (126 meters in 1.0 kilometers) and takes about 20 to 25 minutes for the average hiker. Big Island Activities But being in a more remote part of the island, you can see this as a good thing! pic.twitter.com/D9gdoFolfq. . Encouraging women to try adventurous travel. Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. Hike Pololu Valley Big Island, Hawaii. No . Coming back I knew I wanted to visit the Kohala area again, but this time somewhere different. Its not a smooth trail, at least to the Z. It should be remembered that you have to return the same way. So be careful. Between 250.000 and 300.000 years ago the Kohala volcano experienced a truly massive landslide in which a part of the volcano fell into the ocean. P.O Box 4849 TRAIL CONDITIONS. After hiking Waipio Valley, it was about an hour and 20 minute drive to the parking lot here. The ocean, the enormous cliffs hugging the coastline and the lush green Pololu valley in the background are all surreal together. Quickly cross the Polol River where it meets the sea. Please share your thoughts and comments below. Required fields are marked *. Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests.
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